Good morning: What does a hero look like? Is he faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound? Sometimes we imagine a hero to be someone totally in control of every situation who never has any doubts or need of help from anyone else. And while there may be movie superheroes who measure up to that standard, no one in real life does. The Bible holds up certain individuals as heroes, but not in the sense that they were self-sufficient and in complete control of their lives and destiny. Abraham is called the father of believers. David is described as a man after God’s own heart. The Apostle Paul’s bold preaching in the face of persecution and other hardships is highlighted in Scripture. But what truly made these believers heroes worthy of our admiration is their humble faith. They knew they didn’t have all the answers to life. They acknowledged their sinfulness and need of forgiveness. They gratefully trusted in God’s grace and His promise of a Savior who would give them peace with God. Thank the Lord for heroes like that, not just in the past, but those in our lives now: parents, teachers, and other believers who encourage us in our own faith-life. May we learn from their example and instead of trying to be in control ourselves, entrust our lives and future to the Lord who died for us and now promises to be with us always to the end of the age. In that way, may you be a hero to others. Yours in Jesus’ name, Pastor Service time tomorrow is 9 a.m.
